IRC Issues Urgent Warning on Cholera Outbreak Amidst Severe Flooding in Nigeria and Niger

The International Rescue Committee reports a sharp rise in cholera cases in Nigeria and Niger following severe flooding. Nigeria has experienced a 239% increase in cholera deaths year on year, and Niger has reported 881 cases and 18 fatalities. The IRC is expanding its health initiatives and calling for immediate resources to address this urgent humanitarian crisis.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has raised an alarm regarding a significant uptick in cholera cases resulting from severe floods in Nigeria and Niger. In 2024, Nigeria has recorded a staggering 239% rise in cholera deaths compared to the previous year, amounting to 359 fatalities, as reported by the Nigerian Public Health Agency. The IRC’s cholera treatment unit located in the Gubio Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno State is currently at full capacity, highlighting the urgent need for additional resources and support. Meanwhile, Niger has faced 881 reported cholera cases and 18 deaths following the catastrophic floods that have impacted over 1 million individuals. In light of these developments, the IRC is actively responding to the choleral outbreak in Borno State and maintains vigilant oversight of the situation in Niger. The floods of 2024 have caused widespread devastation across West Africa, exacerbating existing humanitarian crises. Particularly, Niger is grappling with the aftermath of floods that have dislocated approximately 1.4 million people, marking a nearly threefold increase in those affected since the 2020 flooding. To combat the rising cholera threat, the IRC is expediting its initiatives in Nigeria to bolster health, sanitation, and hygiene programs. The organization has partnered with the state government to establish a fully equipped 20-bed cholera treatment facility at the Gubio IDP camp, offering round-the-clock medical care delivered by trained healthcare professionals. In response to the unit reaching maximum capacity, IRC is striving to expand bed availability to accommodate more patients. Additional oral rehydration points have been set up in flood-impacted locales, particularly within IDP camps, to provide swift treatment for acute watery diarrhea. IRC personnel are actively engaging communities to identify suspected cholera cases and maintain a stockpile of rehydration fluids and medical supplies in anticipation of a potential outbreak escalation. Melody Munz, the IRC Niger Country Director, highlighted, “This is the worst case of flooding we have ever seen in Niger, leaving thousands vulnerable to preventable diseases. Without urgent action, more lives are at risk. We need immediate support to ensure that the IRC and other frontline organizations can scale up their efforts rapidly. Cholera is highly contagious and thrives in areas with poor sanitation and overcrowding, such as the flood-displaced communities. Additional resources will help us stop the spread of disease and provide critical aid to those affected by this devastating crisis.” Babatunde Ojei, the IRC Nigeria Country Director, stated, “In Borno State, Nigeria, IRC teams have been on the ground since the onset of the floods, providing critical health services and working in close collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and other partners to implement a robust and coordinated response.” He further emphasized the urgency, urging all stakeholders to collaborate and secure the resources necessary to control the cholera outbreak and prevent further loss of life. He concluded with a call for innovative solutions, suggesting, “As extreme climate events become more frequent, there is a need for a shift in climate financing strategies to invest in anticipatory actions to soften the impact in countries affected by flooding like Niger and Nigeria.”

Cholera is a highly contagious disease often exacerbated by conditions of poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water. The IRC’s response to the cholera outbreaks is crucial, especially in the context of the severe flooding that has compounded humanitarian needs in these regions. This situation is particularly urgent in Nigeria, where there is a notable increase in cholera mortality rates and where existing health infrastructures are being overwhelmed.

The IRC is stressing the necessity for increased resources to combat the cholera outbreak fueled by extensive flooding in Nigeria and Niger. The situation demands immediate intervention to prevent further loss of life, especially as flooding becomes more common due to climate change. Collaborative efforts are vital to enhance public health responses and improve living conditions in flood-affected communities.

Original Source: www.rescue.org